29% of working parents and carers experience high levels of stress

The Bright Horizons Modern Families Index UK Report 2025 revealed that nearly one-third (29%) of working parents and carers experience very high levels of stress – as 80% said that it makes it difficult to focus at work.

Employer support for family responsibilities has declined, with a 31% drop in parents stating that their employer is highly supportive compared to 2023.

The report, which surveyed 3,000 working parents with at least one child under 18, found that stress levels were particularly high among women, with 32% reporting very high stress compared to 26% of men.

In 2020, before the pandemic, 49% of parents rated their wellbeing as good or very good, but current trends indicate a worsening situation.

In 2023, 77% of parents and carers considered their employer supportive, but this has dropped to 68% in 2025.

The percentage of parents who considered their employer “highly supportive” has fallen from 29% to 20%, while the number of parents who described their employer as “unsupportive” has increased from 7% to 12%.

There has also been a 22% decline in parents and carers reporting that they have access to flexible working compared to last year.

The report noted that flexibility peaked in 2023 but has since declined.